Kouga Local Municipality has warned residents to be vigilant following the circulation of a message offering large quantities of cheap prepaid electricity for sale.

The municipality says the fake electricity offers advertise units at unusually low prices. Residents should not respond to the messages or provide any personal or prepaid electricity information.

Cheap Electricity Deals Are a Scam

The circulating message advertises several supposed electricity deals. These include 2,500 units for R500, 7,500 units for R1,000 and 15,500 units for R2,500.

In addition, the message claims that the electricity can be loaded onto various Eskom and municipal prepaid meters.

However, Kouga Local Municipality has warned residents not to make payments to the number provided.

Residents should also never provide their meter number, personal information, banking details or prepaid electricity information to people promoting these offers.

Use Official Electricity Channels

Kouga Local Municipality does not sell prepaid electricity through unofficial WhatsApp numbers or third parties advertising heavily discounted electricity units.

Therefore, residents should purchase prepaid electricity only through authorised and official channels.

Offers advertising unusually large amounts of electricity at very low prices should immediately raise concerns. Residents should verify any suspicious electricity offer before making a payment or sharing information.

Warn Others About Fake Electricity Offers

Residents who receive the message should not forward it as a genuine offer.

Instead, they are encouraged to report the message to the relevant authorities. Residents can also help by warning family members, friends and neighbours about the scam.

This is particularly important for people who may not be familiar with online scams or unofficial electricity sales.

Kouga Local Municipality has urged the public to remain cautious and to use only recognised channels when purchasing prepaid electricity.